The Carb Count in Carrots

by
RHONDA ALEXANDER, MS, MA, CFT Last Updated: Jan 31, 2014

Rhonda Alexander, MS, MA, CFT

Based in Chicago, Rhonda Alexander has written health-related articles since 2006. Her work has appeared in publications owned by the Sun-Times Media. She holds two master's degrees from DePaul University in addition to certifications in personal training and fitness nutrition. Her first book, "Green Smoothie Bliss," will be released 2014.

Fresh carrotsPhoto Credit Alicja Bochenek/iStock/Getty Images

One medium carrot has about 6 grams of carbohydrates. One-half cup of baby carrots -- the amount the American Diabetes Association suggests for a midday snack -- also contains about 6 grams of carbs. Because carrots have so much fiber, they affect metabolism differently than other carbs.

Do These Carbs Count?

Carrots act as an insoluble fiber that assists in digestion.Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images

Carbohydrates are classified into three categories: starch, sugar or fiber. Fiber comes from the indigestible part of plant foods -- especially fruits and vegetables with edible skins and seeds. Between 2 and 3 grams of the carb content in a serving of carrots is fiber. Because the fiber content is so high, the sugar content reaches your bloodstream much more slowly than simple sugars do, meaning you're unlikely to get a sugar rush and an insulin spike from carrots.

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